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Help on premium cd player

I've been playing around with separates (upsamplers, dacs, transports) seeking like many something that sounds right (like vinyl?). Lately been trying to find a good transport to work with my, largely used, collection of parts. Have now stepped back and realized that I'm already out $3-4,000 and still don't have what I'm looking for, and tired of the search. I want to listen to music. So switching tactics and looking for a really good player in the $3-5,000 range {used), then sell off my "inventory", rationalize cables and rack space and just enjoy (90% classical, jazz and vocals). My candidates, based on reviews and hours reading threads here and AudioAsylum, are

Accuphase dp 65x or 75
Audio Aero Capitole 24/92
Audiomecca Mephisto II
Electrocompaniet EMC-1 Mk2 24/92
Wadia 860x

As an old banker I get a warm feeling if the manufacturer isn't likely to disappear overnight. To those who suggest that I first audition and trust my ears, I agree 100% in theory, but it's not possible where I live.

Comments/recommendations from those who have owned more than one product or were otherwise able to directly compare two or more especially valued.

Oh, my equipment includes tube and transitor pres and amps so I'm flexible, not a zealot for either philosophy!

Many thanks in advance for your contribution. And apologies if this post is too long, just try to preclude questions rather than answers.
grandpad
fatparrot
1,314 posts
 
I'm using (and love) an Accuphase DP-75. It comes REALLY close to analog. However, since you listen to a lot of classical, I question whether ANY regular redbook CD can get strings right! Sorry, EVERY high end CD player or transport/DAC combo falls short on the "strings" when compared to an analog rig that costs even 50% of these premium CD players. But if you're committed to the regular CD format, I would HIGHLY recommend the DP 75. Happy Tunes!
mikelavigne
2,147 posts
 
I know i'm doubleing your budget, but if you really want to simplify your life and enjoy "music" from your cds, consider a used Linn CD-12. No, i have not heard all the current "upsampling" cdps but those i have heard fall short of the clarity and naturalness of the CD-12. so far, in my experience, the Linn comes closest to my Marantz SA-1 on sacds. the edgyness of the 16/44 format is gone with this player without the colorations you will find in less refined solutions.
tok20000's avatar
tok20000
608 posts
 
You need to add the Cary 306/200 to your list of CD players to review. Cary is a company that has been around forever. They only recently have been making CD players, but they hit some home runs with their first CDPs.

The 306/200 is one of the best one box CDPs in the world right now. Period. I personally think it is a more natural sound than the EMC-1 mk2 (after comparing both in my system).

Anyway, this and $2 will get you a $2 coffee at Starbucks.

Peace.

Keith
gboren
143 posts
 
I agree with Mikelavigne. But you can get almost that good by getting the Linn Ikemi (list = $3600). IMHO, the Ikemi sounds better than any other player or transport/dac combo out there (except for the Sondek CD12).
cornfedboy
1,645 posts
 
grandpad: just a note to you on your accuphase listings. there is a very significant difference between the dp-75 and the dp-75v (indeed, i think accuphase's product designation is a little wacky). the latter model introduced oversampling and employs an improved circuit topology; moreover, the 75v accepts upgrade slots that will allow the d>a sampling of sacd (tho the onboard transport doesn't output a sacd digital stream). i've heard all the cdp's on your list, except the audio aero. i would rank the top 5 in this order:

accuphase dp-75v
accuphase dp-75
electrocompaniet EMC-1 Mk2
accuphase dp 65-v
wadia 860

i would, however, be wary of the wadia products, given your concerns about the overnite disappearance of manufacturers. that already happened with wadia once this year and may well happen again. or so the rumor goes, FWIW. -cfb
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